Ron Hainsey sends message to Toronto after deadly van attack

Players and fans stand for a moment of silence, after nine people died and 16 others were injured when a van mounted a sidewalk and struck multiple pedestrians along a stretch of one of Toronto’s busiest streets. (Frank Gunn/CP)

Maple Leafs defenceman Ron Hainsey delivered an emotional message to all those affected by the tragic van attack that claimed the lives of 10 people in the north end of Toronto Monday afternoon.

The Bolton, Connecticut, native extended his condolences and was nearly brought to tears as he spoke to Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas ahead of Game 6 against the Boston Bruins.

“On behalf of myself and my teammates, we’d like to extend our deepest sorrow and thoughts to all the victims, the victims’ families, the men and women first on the scene, the brave men and women first on the scene, who do so much to keep everybody safe — thank you so much,” he said.

“Hold your loved ones tight. Give them an extra kiss tonight. I know I will, because you just never know anymore. As for tonight — we’re going to play our heart out for this city.”

The Maple Leafs held a pre-game moment of silence to honour the victims of the van attack at Yonge and Finch in Toronto which has, as of this posting, left 10 dead and another 15 injured.